Let’s face it: This time of the year, being outside can be a drag. Except in the most remote parts of the East End, it is impossible not to hear the whine of leaf blowers — and all sorts of other gas-powered landscaping devices. That this remains the acceptable status quo is baffling. Among the very core qualities of any community should be concern for others and caring about neighbors. It is difficult to be less neighborly than making other people’s out-of-doors experiences all but unbearable — all for a leaf-free lawn or dustless driveway.
Residential streets must not be treated the way industrial parks are. Promoting peace, quiet, and good will should be among elected officials’ highest priorities. But so far, their steps have been halting, offering too much deference to the landscapers, many of whom are not even based in the hamlets and villages they are making so unpleasant. There are a few other signs of movement, but anything short of a total, 12-month prohibition on handheld, gas-powered machines would a Band-Aid.
A new measure coming out of Albany could chip away a little at the prevalence of gas devices, but just barely. Gov. Kathy Hochul recently signed a bill that will allow quick cash back when certain buyers purchase battery-operated equipment. State and local governments are eligible, as are schools, colleges, and nonprofits. Covered devices include mowers, edgers, string trimmers, hedge trimmers, leaf blowers, leaf vacuums, mulchers, chippers, chain saws, pole saws, augers, cultivators and tillers, snow blowers, and snow shovels, as well as batteries and chargers. It is a good list, but the law did not specify how much money would be set aside, leaving that decision up to the New York State Research and Development Authority, presumably to come out of its current budget. And it is entirely optional; it is up to the individual buyers to decide whether to take advantage. To us, this seems all carrot (a thin, unappetizing one, at that) and no stick.
In Sag Harbor the village board could be nearing a vote on expanding its existing gas-powered equipment rules. It would join Southampton Village in implementing a total ban. This is a residents-first approach, putting tranquillity and less air pollution front and center, as they should be. In East Hampton Town, ChangeHampton has been leading a protracted effort for a year-round ban and has a petition calling for that on its website.
Caring for neighbors should extend as well to those who operate gas-powered equipment. Many of the people who make up landscaping crews are immigrants working hard to make enough money to help family back home. Others are trying to start new lives in a safer and more prosperous country, with better educational opportunities for children. Damage to these users’ ears, eyes, and lungs caused by blowers especially is an unacceptable price in pursuit of a perfect lawn.